Nola Reporter

The Justice Department announced that it has jointly moved with the City of New Orleans for the city to enter a two-year "sustainment period" according to a negotiated plan. This step brings the consent decree concerning the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) closer to resolution.

The joint motion and proposed plan must be approved by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The motion recognizes significant progress made by NOPD and the city, supporting entry into this sustainment period. During these two years, NOPD and the city will demonstrate their ability to monitor compliance with the decree and take corrective actions when necessary. The agreement also requires completing important obligations under the consent decree to continue reforms.

“Today’s filing recognizes the significant progress the City of New Orleans and the New Orleans Police Department have made to ensure constitutional and fair policing,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We look forward to continuing to work with NOPD, the City, and the Court Monitor to achieve full and enduring compliance with the consent decree, an outcome that helps strengthen public safety and enhance police-community relations.”

“After years of hard work and intense collaboration, the City of New Orleans and NOPD are well on their path to demonstrate compliance and sustainability of policing reforms required by the consent decree,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Constitutional policing standards are essential to preserving community trust and confidence in law enforcement."

Notable progress includes:

- **Reduced Use of Force:** Since entering into force, NOPD's serious use of force has declined by 47% from 2015 to 2023.

- **Improved Stop, Search, and Arrest Practices:** An audit found a 95.4% rate of compliance with these requirements.

- **Improved Response Times:** A pilot program added a new platoon during peak times in one district.

- **Improved Language Access:** Key policies were translated into Spanish and Vietnamese; more certified interpreters were added.

- **Policing Free of Gender Bias:** Additional investigators were added for cases involving sexual violence.

- **Crisis Intervention Team:** A Mobile Crisis Intervention Unit was developed, diverting over 3,360 calls from June 2023 to July 2024.

The Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section handled this matter alongside U.S. Attorney's Office for Eastern District of Louisiana.

Further information about ongoing investigations can be found on www.justice.gov/crt/special-litigation-section.